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A Message from Brittni Joy, Executive Director
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it's a great reminder to check in—with yourself and your neighbors. At CHUN, we believe a thriving community starts with healthy minds and open hearts 💚. Here are some easy mental health check-ins to keep in mind:
CHUN Community Announcements!Welcome to the Community!  Let's Celebrate our New Members! Ramblin Jackson Claudia Tadla Joshua Hursa Jackson Knight Taylor Vaughan Rayna Reinholt Traylor Andy Steele Rachel Burkholder Kimberly Trauner Mikey Guanipa David Scarbeary CHUN Business Member of the Month!  A Community Café Serving Dignity with Every Meal 🍽️💚This month, we are thrilled to celebrate SAME Café (So All May Eat, Inc.) as CHUN’s Business Member of the Month! Located right in our Capitol Hill neighborhood, SAME Café isn’t your typical lunch spot — it’s a welcoming space where everyone eats, regardless of ability to pay. Since 2006, SAME Café has operated on a revolutionary pay-what-you-can model, offering healthy, made-from-scratch meals using fresh, mostly organic ingredients. The café fosters community by providing a warm, inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, whether they contribute with dollars, volunteer time, or simply a smile. Their mission? “To create community through healthy food access in a dignified manner.” How You Can Support SAME Café:💵 Eat + Donate – Pay what you can for your meal — and if you're able, consider giving a little extra to help cover others' meals. 🙌 Volunteer – They welcome help from community members—serve meals, wash dishes, or help prep food! 🌱 Partner – Local businesses, farms, and individuals can support their food sustainability mission with donations or collaborative events. 📍 Visit – SAME Café is located at 2023 E Colfax Ave, right on the edge of Cap Hill and Uptown! Learn more at www.soallmayeat.org Why We ❤️ SAME:SAME Café shows us what it means to nourish both body and community. Their commitment to equity, access, and kindness embodies everything CHUN believes in—and we are proud to have them as part of our member family. Next time you're on Colfax, stop in, grab a delicious bite, and support a mission-driven gem that’s making a difference--one meal at a time. 🥗🍞💫 CHUN News and Highlights!🏆🏆RE- Introducing the CHUN Good Neighbor Award! 🌟 Celebrating the People, Businesses, and Organizations That Make Cap Hill Shine 🌟 Do you know someone who always waves hello? |
| 🍹 Join Us for CHUN’s May Happy Hour in the Secret Garden! 🌿The days are longer, the flowers are blooming, and it’s time to raise a glass with your neighbors! You’re invited to CHUN’s May Happy Hour — this month, we’re heading back to our favorite warm-weather hideaway: the Secret Garden patio at the Tears-McFarlane House. ✨ WHEN: Thursday, May 9 | 4:30 – 6:00 PM 📍 WHERE: The Secret Garden Patio – 1290 Williams St. Enjoy great conversation, light refreshments, and the charm of one of Denver’s most beautiful historic homes. It’s a casual, come-as-you-are gathering to connect, unwind, and celebrate spring. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the neighborhood, all are welcome. Bring a friend and enjoy the magic of a Capitol Hill evening with CHUN! 💬🌷🥂 |  |
🧹 Capitol Hill Clean-Up: A Job Well Done!
Our annual Cap Hill Clean Up on April 5 & 6 was a shining example of community spirit ✨. Over 70 volunteers showed up (yes, more than we expected!) and rolled up their sleeves to beautify our neighborhood.
Locales kept things festive by offering drink tokens for every full trash bag—and we filled quite a few!
A special shout-out to those families who joined us Saturday and came back Sunday for the Egg Hunt. You made it a whole weekend of civic pride!
💪 500+ Pounds of Trash—GONE!You read that right--over 500 pounds of trash were removed from Capitol Hill during our two-day clean-up blitz 🗑️💪.
This massive effort couldn’t have happened without the support of:
Locales kept things festive by offering drink tokens for every full trash bag—and we filled quite a few!
A special shout-out to those families who joined us Saturday and came back Sunday for the Egg Hunt. You made it a whole weekend of civic pride!
💪 500+ Pounds of Trash—GONE!You read that right--over 500 pounds of trash were removed from Capitol Hill during our two-day clean-up blitz 🗑️💪.
This massive effort couldn’t have happened without the support of:
- 💛 Paul Bork
- 🍹 Locales Taco & Tequila Bar
- 🛒 Whole Foods at Ideal Market
- 🏘️ And YOU, the CHUN community!
🐣 Egg-cellent Fun with Warren Village
 | We hosted a fantastic Family Egg Hunt with our friends at Warren Village—and wow, what a turnout! With over 300 eggs hidden and about 25 excited kiddos from 20 families, the park was bursting with energy. We munched on cookies 🍪, sipped juice 🧃, played football, did sack races, and even launched a few foam rockets 🚀. 🎉 Highlight moment: The piñata bash revealed 3 lucky golden egg winners who snagged CHUN coupons, stuffed animals, and new park games! A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers—you made magic happen. 💛 |
🎬 CHUN is heading to the movies — and YOU'RE invited! 🍿✨
On June 12th, the Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) is partnering with nearly 40 neighborhood & community groups to host the Denver Community Film Fest Night at the historic Holiday Theater and CHUN IS ONE OF THEM!
We’ll be screening Join or Die, a documentary exploring the decline of civic engagement and the importance of community-based groups and organizations.
RSVP for tickets here - https://tinyurl.com/dcff2025
This FREE event will include a pre-film reception, a screening, and a post-film Q&A with the director and prominent community members.
🎶 Save the Date! CHUN Fun Day + Denver Municipal Band
in the Park – July 6
 | Get ready for one of our favorite events of the year! Join CHUN for Fun Day in the Park on Saturday, July 6, capped off by a live performance from the historic Denver Municipal Band! 🎉 Activities begin at 4 PM:
🎺 Concert starts at 7 PM with the Denver Municipal Band, one of the oldest professional bands in the country, founded in 1861! They’ve played everything from Civil War marches to jazz classics. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and celebrate summer with us. See you there! |
🏡 History Matters Meeting –
May 6
Join us for our next History Matters meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at the Tears-McFarlane House.🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
🎙️ Guest Speaker: Jennifer Cappeto, Manager of Denver Landmark Preservation
🔍 Topic: Design review, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in historic districts, and an update on the potential demolitions at Colfax & Franklin.
Led by committee chair Bruce Caughey, this meeting is your chance to learn and engage. We’re also lucky to have Emily Hazen, Landmark Commissioner, contributing her expertise.
Plus—we’ll share updates on our June 4 event, Secrets at the Secret Garden!
This one’s not to miss.
🎙️ Guest Speaker: Jennifer Cappeto, Manager of Denver Landmark Preservation
🔍 Topic: Design review, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in historic districts, and an update on the potential demolitions at Colfax & Franklin.
Led by committee chair Bruce Caughey, this meeting is your chance to learn and engage. We’re also lucky to have Emily Hazen, Landmark Commissioner, contributing her expertise.
Plus—we’ll share updates on our June 4 event, Secrets at the Secret Garden!
This one’s not to miss.
🏛️ Secrets at the Secret Garden: Tour the History, Taste the Charm
 | Join us on June 4 for our new signature event: “Secrets at the Secret Garden,” an intimate historical tour hosted by CHUN in partnership with the Denver Architecture Foundation and designed with Semple Brown.🎟️ Tickets: $35 for DAF & CHUN members | $45 for general public 🕰️ Tours will reveal newly discovered historical gems—thanks to CHUN's own Robert Ehmann, historical docent for Historic Denver! 🌸 Highlights:
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🔥 Fireside Chats with George G: April Recap + June Preview 🌳
April’s Fireside Chat with George G brought together passionate community members for a meaningful conversation on safety in and around Capitol Hill. From lighting and visibility to neighborhood watch programs and city resources, participants shared ideas and learned ways to be more engaged in creating a safer, more connected community.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined the discussion—your insights and commitment to our neighborhood truly make a difference. 🙌
🔥 Fireside Chats are open to everyone—CHUN members, neighbors, businesses, and beyond. It’s an informal way to share ideas, raise questions, and connect with others who care about our community.
🌿 Save the Date: Next Fireside Chat📅 June 3
🗣️ Topic: Parks & Public Spaces
Let’s talk green spaces, park improvements, and how we can better care for the places we all enjoy.
Bring your ideas, questions, or just come to listen. We hope to see you there!
We’re grateful to everyone who joined the discussion—your insights and commitment to our neighborhood truly make a difference. 🙌
🔥 Fireside Chats are open to everyone—CHUN members, neighbors, businesses, and beyond. It’s an informal way to share ideas, raise questions, and connect with others who care about our community.
🌿 Save the Date: Next Fireside Chat📅 June 3
🗣️ Topic: Parks & Public Spaces
Let’s talk green spaces, park improvements, and how we can better care for the places we all enjoy.
Bring your ideas, questions, or just come to listen. We hope to see you there!
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🏙️ Urban Planning Committee Tackles Smart Growth & Community Ideas
On Tuesday, April 23rd, CHUN’s Urban Planning Committee gathered with engaged neighbors to discuss exciting new developments, citywide policy, and fresh ideas for shaping our shared spaces. The conversation was lively, full of thoughtful questions, and sparked some great momentum for the months ahead.
🔹 Smart Kiosks, Smarter CityWe welcomed a presentation from IKE Smart City, the team behind the interactive kiosks seen along the 16th Street Mall. These kiosks offer maps, transit info, community event listings, and more—all while generating revenue for the city. IKE is seeking CHUN’s support for two city RFPs (requests for proposals) to help expand this win-win model into more neighborhoods. A letter of support is likely needed in May.
🔹 Supporting Housing for FamiliesThe committee also reviewed a request for support from Paragon Place, a proposed supportive housing project at 20th & Welton aimed at helping families exiting homelessness. While the committee supports the project's goals, they agreed to hold off on formal support until more information is shared by the developer and further discussion with the San Rafael Neighborhood Association occurs.
🔹 Legislation We SupportCHUN’s Urban Planning Committee recommended supporting several key state bills that align with our mission of equitable, inclusive neighborhood development:
✅ HB25-1273: Residential Building Stair Modernization
✅ HB25-1169: Housing on Faith & Education Land
✅ HB25-1004: No Pricing Coordination Between Landlords
✅ HB25-1093: Limiting Anti-Growth Land Use Policies
At minimum, CHUN plans to share our support publicly and with legislators representing Capitol Hill.
🔹 What’s Next? Big Ideas, Local ActionThe committee rounded out the evening with a brainstorming session packed with creative and community-centered ideas, including:
🌳 Walking & bus tours to explore urban design
🏡 Advocating for pedestrian safety along 13th, 14th, 17th
🚲 Support for bike lane expansion
🌻 Community garden ideas for Cheesman Park
🎨 Preserving local art festivals and increasing food truck access
🚧 Exploring a “depaving” initiative to promote permeable land
🏛️ Inviting Parks & Rec to speak on local priorities
🏠 Identifying and improving underutilized properties
📉 Lowering residential speed limits on key streets like Clarkson & Downing
The April meeting proved once again that good urban planning starts with open dialogue, bold ideas, and local voices. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped shape the future of Capitol Hill.
Interested in joining the next meeting? We'd love to have you! Keep an eye on our calendar for the next Urban Planning Committee date.
🔹 Smart Kiosks, Smarter CityWe welcomed a presentation from IKE Smart City, the team behind the interactive kiosks seen along the 16th Street Mall. These kiosks offer maps, transit info, community event listings, and more—all while generating revenue for the city. IKE is seeking CHUN’s support for two city RFPs (requests for proposals) to help expand this win-win model into more neighborhoods. A letter of support is likely needed in May.
🔹 Supporting Housing for FamiliesThe committee also reviewed a request for support from Paragon Place, a proposed supportive housing project at 20th & Welton aimed at helping families exiting homelessness. While the committee supports the project's goals, they agreed to hold off on formal support until more information is shared by the developer and further discussion with the San Rafael Neighborhood Association occurs.
🔹 Legislation We SupportCHUN’s Urban Planning Committee recommended supporting several key state bills that align with our mission of equitable, inclusive neighborhood development:
✅ HB25-1273: Residential Building Stair Modernization
✅ HB25-1169: Housing on Faith & Education Land
✅ HB25-1004: No Pricing Coordination Between Landlords
✅ HB25-1093: Limiting Anti-Growth Land Use Policies
At minimum, CHUN plans to share our support publicly and with legislators representing Capitol Hill.
🔹 What’s Next? Big Ideas, Local ActionThe committee rounded out the evening with a brainstorming session packed with creative and community-centered ideas, including:
🌳 Walking & bus tours to explore urban design
🏡 Advocating for pedestrian safety along 13th, 14th, 17th
🚲 Support for bike lane expansion
🌻 Community garden ideas for Cheesman Park
🎨 Preserving local art festivals and increasing food truck access
🚧 Exploring a “depaving” initiative to promote permeable land
🏛️ Inviting Parks & Rec to speak on local priorities
🏠 Identifying and improving underutilized properties
📉 Lowering residential speed limits on key streets like Clarkson & Downing
The April meeting proved once again that good urban planning starts with open dialogue, bold ideas, and local voices. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped shape the future of Capitol Hill.
Interested in joining the next meeting? We'd love to have you! Keep an eye on our calendar for the next Urban Planning Committee date.
 |  |  |
History Matters Moment
🏫 The Evans School — A Historic Gem Reimagined
If you've strolled near 11th and Acoma in the Golden Triangle, you’ve likely noticed the grand red-brick building with a striking clock tower — the Evans School. Built in 1904, this beautiful Renaissance Revival structure was once a proud Denver public school and has been a cornerstone of civic architecture for over a century.
Named after Governor John Evans, the second territorial governor of Colorado, the school served students until the 1970s before closing its doors. But the building’s story was far from over. Rather than falling into disrepair, it caught the attention of passionate preservationists and visionaries who saw its potential as more than a relic of the past.
✨ A New Chapter with City Street InvestorsEnter City Street Investors — a Denver-based development group known for reimagining historic spaces with purpose and vibrancy. This visionary team is no stranger to bringing new life to iconic Denver landmarks (think: Union Station, Larimer Square, and The Source). Their specialty? Blending preservation with community-centered activation.
Now, they’re working to breathe new life into the Evans School, preserving its rich history while introducing new opportunities for local business, culture, and community. Though plans are still evolving, the intention is clear: to create a space where history and innovation walk hand-in-hand.
The Evans School is not only a reminder of our city’s educational roots but also a symbol of how thoughtful development can preserve Denver’s past while building toward its future.
🕰️ Stay curious, Cap Hill!Keep an eye out for more updates as the Evans School enters its next chapter — and be sure to support developers who respect and restore the soul of our city.
Would you like to nominate a historic site for a future History Matters Moment? Let us know!
Named after Governor John Evans, the second territorial governor of Colorado, the school served students until the 1970s before closing its doors. But the building’s story was far from over. Rather than falling into disrepair, it caught the attention of passionate preservationists and visionaries who saw its potential as more than a relic of the past.
✨ A New Chapter with City Street InvestorsEnter City Street Investors — a Denver-based development group known for reimagining historic spaces with purpose and vibrancy. This visionary team is no stranger to bringing new life to iconic Denver landmarks (think: Union Station, Larimer Square, and The Source). Their specialty? Blending preservation with community-centered activation.
Now, they’re working to breathe new life into the Evans School, preserving its rich history while introducing new opportunities for local business, culture, and community. Though plans are still evolving, the intention is clear: to create a space where history and innovation walk hand-in-hand.
The Evans School is not only a reminder of our city’s educational roots but also a symbol of how thoughtful development can preserve Denver’s past while building toward its future.
🕰️ Stay curious, Cap Hill!Keep an eye out for more updates as the Evans School enters its next chapter — and be sure to support developers who respect and restore the soul of our city.
Would you like to nominate a historic site for a future History Matters Moment? Let us know!
Denver News and Community Updates
Historic Denver’s annual Love Old Buildings Expo
Historic Denver’s annual Love Old Buildings Expo returns on Saturday, May 10, from 12 to 4 PM, offering an engaging afternoon of expert advice, restoration resources, and inspiration for anyone who appreciates Denver’s older buildings. This year’s event will take place inside the striking El Jebel Shrine (1770 Sherman St), a 1907 architectural gem that’s one of Historic Denver’s rare interior easement properties. As part of the expo, attendees will have the chance to tour this remarkable space and explore its fascinating history and design.
Expo-only tickets are just $10 for Historic Denver members, and you’re invited to stay afterward for an optional add-on experience: a private tour and cocktail at the historic Schleier Mansion, now home to the boutique hotel Urban Cowboy. Add-on tickets for members are an additional $25, and space is limited.
Expo-only tickets are just $10 for Historic Denver members, and you’re invited to stay afterward for an optional add-on experience: a private tour and cocktail at the historic Schleier Mansion, now home to the boutique hotel Urban Cowboy. Add-on tickets for members are an additional $25, and space is limited.
🛝 Montclair Park Playground Is Getting an Upgrade --
Share Your Ideas!
 | Exciting news for families and park lovers! 🎉 Montclair Park's playground is getting a fresh new look, and Denver Parks and Recreation wants YOUR input to help shape the upgrades. Whether you visit Montclair for weekend playdates, neighborhood strolls, or just to enjoy the green space, your feedback is essential in making sure the new playground reflects what the community wants and needs. 🗓️ Survey open through May 9, 2025 🖥️ Take the survey now: www.denvergov.org/parkprojects Let’s help make Montclair Park even more fun, safe, and welcoming for the next generation of Denverites! 🏞️✨ |
💻 Help Shape the Future of Denver's Website – Take the Survey!
Your voice matters, Capitol Hill! 🗣️ The City and County of Denver is looking to improve its digital services—and they want to hear from YOU.
Today, Denver launched two short surveys—one for residents and another for local businesses—to learn how folks are using Denvergov.org. Your feedback will directly influence improvements to the city’s website, helping make it a more user-friendly, informative, and accessible resource for all.
📋 Why Take the Survey?
Thank you for lending your voice to make Denver better for everyone!
Today, Denver launched two short surveys—one for residents and another for local businesses—to learn how folks are using Denvergov.org. Your feedback will directly influence improvements to the city’s website, helping make it a more user-friendly, informative, and accessible resource for all.
📋 Why Take the Survey?
- ✅ It’s quick and easy
- 💬 Your input helps improve digital tools you use every day
- 🏙️ Better online services = better community access to resources
Thank you for lending your voice to make Denver better for everyone!
🎨 Streets Become Masterpieces at the Denver Chalk Art Festival!
 | One of Denver’s most colorful traditions is back! The annual Denver Chalk Art Festival returns to the Golden Triangle neighborhood, bringing together over 200 professional, amateur, and student artists who will transform city streets into an open-air museum of incredible street art. 📅 Save the Dates Over the course of three dazzling days, artists will be on their hands and knees creating vibrant masterpieces—ranging from stunning original works to jaw-dropping reproductions of classical pieces. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to flock to the area to witness this explosion of color and creativity. 🎨 What to Expect
To keep things smooth and stress-free:
Come see the pavement come to life! 🖌️✨ |
Experience India in the Heart of Denver — Indian Festival Returns June 8!
Mark your calendars for a cultural celebration like no other! 🎉 The 2nd Annual Indian Festival in Denver is coming to Civic Center Park on Sunday, June 8, from 11 AM to 4 PM, and it promises to be a feast for all the senses.
Presented in partnership with the Civic Center Conservancy, this joyful event invites you to experience the vibrant colors, rich traditions, and incredible flavors of India—without ever leaving downtown Denver!
🎶 What to Expect:
📍 Location: Civic Center Park
🕚 Festival Hours: 11 AM – 4 PM
🚛 Set Up: 8 – 10 AM
Come for the samosas, stay for the Bollywood beats! 💃🕌
We’ll see you under the sun on June 8!
Presented in partnership with the Civic Center Conservancy, this joyful event invites you to experience the vibrant colors, rich traditions, and incredible flavors of India—without ever leaving downtown Denver!
🎶 What to Expect:
- 🌟 Live music and traditional dance performances
- 🍛 Delicious Indian cuisine from local vendors
- 🛍️ Cultural exhibits and artisan shopping
- 🎨 Family-friendly activities and fun for all ages
📍 Location: Civic Center Park
🕚 Festival Hours: 11 AM – 4 PM
🚛 Set Up: 8 – 10 AM
Come for the samosas, stay for the Bollywood beats! 💃🕌
We’ll see you under the sun on June 8!
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